Host Storage Allocation Using Integer Capacity Factors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage systems face inaccuracies in calculating the number of allocation units for logical units due to the use of decimal fraction capacity adjustment factors, which cannot be processed by hosts lacking floating-point operations, leading to errors in partition settings.
Innovation Solution
The method involves multiplying capacity adjustment factors by an integer modifier to express them in integer form, allowing hosts to calculate the number of allocation units accurately using Equation 1, ensuring correct partition settings despite the lack of floating-point support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If decimal fraction capacity adjustment factors are used to calculate allocation units, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability deteriorates due to floating-point operation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the capacity adjustment factor from a decimal fraction (floating-point) to an integer by multiplying with a predetermined integer modifier. This parameter change allows the same calculation precision to be achieved using integer arithmetic only, eliminating the need for floating-point operations and ensuring reliable execution on hosts without FP support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integer modifier as an intermediary value that bridges the gap between decimal precision requirements and integer-only computation capabilities. This intermediary enables accurate calculation of allocation units through integer multiplication and division operations, maintaining precision while avoiding floating-point operations.
2Measurement precision
If floating-point operations are implemented to handle decimal capacity adjustment factors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the computational parameter from floating-point to integer arithmetic by introducing an integer modifier. This transformation maintains calculation precision while simplifying the device requirements, as integer operations are natively supported by all standard processors without requiring additional floating-point units or complex instruction sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the floating-point operation requirement from the calculation process by reformulating the computation to use only integer arithmetic. This extraction eliminates the need for complex floating-point hardware or software support, reducing device complexity while preserving calculation accuracy through the use of the integer modifier and adjusted division operation.
3Device complexity
If integer arithmetic is used instead of floating-point operations, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the calculation parameters by multiplying the capacity adjustment factor with an integer modifier, transforming it into an integer value. This parameter change allows integer arithmetic to achieve the same precision as floating-point operations would provide, as the integer modifier scales the calculation to maintain accuracy throughout the integer-based computation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integer modifier serves as an intermediary that preserves precision in integer arithmetic. By introducing this scaling factor, the patent ensures that integer multiplication and division operations maintain the same level of calculation precision as floating-point operations would provide, while keeping the device complexity low through the use of simple integer math.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a method of a storage system. The method includes: transmitting, by the host, a first query request to a storage device; transmitting, by the storage device, a first query response to the host; identifying, by the host, a number of first allocation units corresponding to a first logical unit set to a first memory type; transmitting, by the host, a second query request including the number of first allocation units to the storage device; and writing, by the storage device, the number of first allocation units in a configuration descriptor. The first capacity adjustment factor corresponds to a product of a first ratio and a capacity adjustment factor integer modifier, the first ratio being between a first capacity of a normal memory type of the storage device and a second capacity of the first memory type.